Social care is failing people living with neurological conditions in Wales

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act (2014) has now been law in Wales since 6th April 2016 and aims to transform the way that social services are delivered.

The Cross-Party Group on Neurological Conditions (CPG) asked the WNA to collect information on how the implementation of the Act is having an impact on people with neurological conditions.

We conducted a survey of people living with neurological conditions in Wales and this found that people living with neurological conditions are missing out on vital support and services;

73% have not been offered or requested a formal assessment;

80% did not receive any services from a local council as a result of a care plan;

64% did not see any information that would help them with a social care or support need; and only 37% were given advice from a professional that would help with a social care need;

79% have not been referred to other organisations for support;

46% have paid out of their own money for additional support.

Mark Isherwood AM, Chair of the Cross Party Group on Neurological Conditions said;

‘We are deeply concerned that a significant number of people living with neurological conditions are missing out on vital support and services.

‘Local Authorities and Local Health Boards are duty bound to conduct a population needs assessment but it is clear from our report that they need to do a lot more to better understand the needs of people living with neurological conditions who may be in need of services’.

Ana Palazon Chair of the Wales Neurological Alliance which conducted the survey on behalf of the Cross Party Group, added;

‘There are an estimated 100,000 people living with a neurological condition in Wales.

‘Our survey found that people living with neurological conditions are not being asked what matters to them; they are not being made aware of their rights to an assessment, not getting information about support and advice services, and having to pay out of their own pocket for support.

‘The Social Services and Well-being Act has now been in force for over two years and it is wholly unacceptable that we find ourselves in this position today’.

July 10th, The Pierhead Building, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay

12 – 1:30pm

The Welsh Government’s Neurological Delivery Plan says that all staff involved in managing care for people with neurological conditions should have an appropriate understanding of the condition and its impact on the individual and their family.

These basic principles are needed to make sure that people with neurological conditions have confidence their condition is understood by which ever health or social care service they access.

The Wales Neurological Alliance would like hear from people with neurological conditions about your experiences and what information and support you think health and care professionals need.

We are also hoping that some of your Assembly Members will attend, please send them a personal email or tweet them:

I’m attending the Cross Party Group on neurological Conditions on 10th July at the Pierhead Building 12 – 1:30pm. It would be lovely to see you there to hear about the experiences of people living with neurological conditions.